do i really want 8 hours & a lunch?

there it is. the question. do i really want 8 hours and a lunch? is that what i'm after? the honest answer? no. i love to work. i have had jobs and done work on a volunteer basis that i loved doing (and was happy to do for free). when i'm doing that work, time gets lost. i'm in the zone. it doesn't feel like a drudgery. the clock means nothing to me.

do i really want balance and sanity?
yes, please.

yes. they call it 'work' for a reason. and yes. there are always things that we have to do that we don't want to do. but it is possible to make your living in this world doing something that inspires, uplifts, and invigorates you.

for me, that work is not human resources. there have been components of HR that i loved -- like training. but the reality is that it's not for me. and so, i am leaving HR.

i've learned a lot. i've learned about myself. i've learned what i don't want. i've learned what being in a job that is the absolute wrong fit for you, in an industry that is the wrong fit for you, in a company that is a wrong fit for you, can do to your soul. i've learned what a job like that does to your joy. and i've learned how that all affects how you interact with and see the world. and so i bid adieu.

i've enjoyed those i've become friends with on the web and in real life through HR, and will continue to read (and comment) and wish you all well.

and this doesn't mean i won't ever be inspired to write about leadership or managing change or transitions or many of those topics i write most about anyway again. i hope that many of you will continue to read and follow along with me as i start a new journey, a new path, a new adventure.

and as always, i wish you......

all the best!
deb

Comments

[Lisa]

Deb, you have added a wonderful voice to the blogosphere and have always been one of my must reads. You have allowed me to follow you on your journey through your writing and hope you continue to do so. I am so freaking excited for you!

[HR Wench]

I'm bummed because we need smart people like you in HR. At the same time I'm glad you are doing what you want to do instead of staying in a position that doesn't make you happy. Blog on, sister friend!

[Wally Bock]

Ah, Deb. May you find what my Roman Catholic friends would call your "vocation." That work you do that you love so much you're willing to do the scut work that goes with it. May you find something you love to do that gives you energy, that you do so well that they have to ask you back and that you make enough money at to do the other things that are important to you.

[deb]

thanks lisa! believe me, there most definitely is more to come! i am freaking excited too!

and cool-chick-HR-wench, thanks for the good vibes!

wally, i do believe i've found my calling. and not to sound too flaky, but just as there have been times i've gone ahead and done things that i had a feeling deep down in every cell in my body was the wrong thing to do -- and turned out to be right.....well, i have that same feeling in a good, positive way right now.

i have no idea where this is all going to lead in the long run. and i'm sure there are going to be rough patches. but i'm excited and know i'm heading in the right direction.

finally.

thanks everyone!
all the best!
deb

[Chris Young]

Deb - Congratulations on what must have been a difficult decision! So many people stay it jobs they hate, that rob their life of vigor, and jobs that harm those they love around them, and I'm glad to hear that you recognized this before it was to late and made the right choice for a career change.

Thanks for all your wonderful insights, and my very best wishes to you!

Chris Young

[deb]

thanks chris! hopefully the 'insights' will keep coming, they're just taking me in a different direction -- one I should have been going in for a while now.

thanks for the comment!
all the best!
deb

[Florinda]

I've been reading your blog for your observations and insights generally, not really for the HR-related stuff. While I learn from that, it's not my field, so I'm not here for professional reasons.

I'm excited for you, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this new journey takes you. Good luck!

[Kelly O]

Deb, congratulations on making this decision. I'm struggling right now with my "administrative support" career, and feeling very unfulfilled. It's good to see someone else find the courage to make that step. I can't wait to see the new directions you take.

[deb]

thanks florinda and kelly o.

i kept freaking out a lot at first. now, i'm just excited. it's not going to be easy. and i know that. but it's going to be well worth it.

thanks to everyone for so much support and encouragement! (i'm probably going to need more of that in the coming months....just so you're aware and prepared and all that.....ha!)

all the best!
deb